Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you've read the other reviews, then nothing will surprise you with this umbrella. The various points of articulation work pretty well, although some are stickier than others (and simply require some wiggling during adjustment). There is that clamp problem where there's a metal nut that can come out if you loosen the clamp almost all the way. The superglue fix others have described here is easy, but you have to do it BEFORE you lose the nut. Just make sure you don't accidentally glue your clamp into a static position. As for the umbrella as an umbrella, it has made the beach much more bearable. I originally got it because I'm pregnant and right now my skin is too sensitive to handle the sun exposure I would normally be fine with. I've taken this umbrella to the beach multiple times, and it's great. It clamps right to the back of my chair and is easily adjustable as the sun moves, or if you move your chair. I also clamped it to my deck railing to create some shade while my husband was grilling this summer, and that worked pretty well. It doesn't cover a huge area, but if you're in one spot, it'll do. Mild winds don't faze the umbrella. In moderate winds or with gusts, you need to be aware of wind direction so you don't accidentally create a sail out of your umbrella. As with any umbrella, it will catch in a stiff breeze. The Sport-Brella never threatened to break or invert, but the strongest beach winds did cause it to shift/slide from its clamped position. Basically, this thing isn't wind-proof, so don't expect it to be. I imagine that I will continue to use this at the beach in the future, since it does wonders for not getting too hot (or getting burnt after forgetting to reapply sunscreen, which I've done several times). I also like that the clamp is so versatile, since it can attach to other chairs, a stroller, or a deck railing. I can only imagine how useful it will be if I'm taking my impending kid somewhere in a stroller and there's strong sun or some rain. Being able to protect yourself without taking up your hands is clutch. Definitely glad I made this purchase.